Kiama Jazz celebrates 30 years

[jvmac]

Last saturday night Vicki and I had the pleasure to be part of the Kiama Jazz Club's 30th anniversary celebratory concert. The band was led by long time friend of the KJC, Mike Nock. Mike had his trio partners of Brett Hirst and Toby Hall on board, I must say the trio is firing on all cylinders and I have never seen Mike have so much fun as he is at the moment. One of the best nights of live music we have seen this year. The band covered some intersting material, Gigi Gryce's House of Blue Lights, (boy can Mike play the blues), a beautiful ballad titled The Wind (don't know the composer) and his own piece Transitions. Just thought we would let you know things do happen outside the big smoke and Kiama has 30 proud years behind it. Sometimes the small out of the way gigs are the best, something about locals starved of quality music maybe. Looking forward to next Sunday when Mark Isaacs does a solo spot at the local church by the sea.
Hi to V & B in Melbourne.

[isaacs]

I've been playing in Kiama for 22 years! The region is unique for the dedicated supporters of the music it produces, who are such nice people to boot! Long may you reign!

[Vick Kee]

Hi John, I am so glad you posted about the gigs.

Wow, 30 years, bloody hell that means I wasn't even alive when the festival started , you all know I am just 29 of course.

I am going to be in Sydney from July 2 - 7th so if you or anyone knows of any decent gigs to catch PLEASE let me know. Maybe we could meet at the Side on if anyone good is playing?

Did you catch Mike with Mark Murphy - love to know how those gigs went. Best one Mark did in Melbourne I think was at Bennetts - you guys must come to Melbourne soon we have so much room these days.

Bev is going really well - off to Italy next month to Umbria Jazz festival no less! Lucky woman. Although I heard they have a lot of non jazz stuff now too. But Perugia is so cool it doesn't even matter I reckon. Love to Vicki and Judy too if u see her.

[gid]

Hey Vicki,

Tues 6th July - go to Jazzgroove at the Excelsior in Surrey Hills. They always have good stuff on. Check out www.jazzgroove.com

gid

[jvmac]

Hi, Vicki. looking forward to seeing you next month, we'll line up something good to see & I'm sure Judy will join us.
Sure did catch Mark Murphy at the Basement with Mike Nock, Jonathon Zwartz & Felix Bloxsom. The trio's playing was amazing, Mark has a true gift with his voice and his technique, but our Aussie blokes stole the show.
Bon Voyage Bev - bring back lots of good music memories to share with us in Wang this year.
Vicki

[Bev]

Hi John and Vicki

Wasn't Mark Muporhy fantastic! We love him too but he played with Mark Fitz, Ben Robertson and Andy Gander down here. Pretty cool stuff.

Thanks for the message can't wait to see you in Wangaratta this year. I'll surely have a lot more energy than last time too! Had a good chat with Judy today and it seems all is well up your way.

Congratulatiions on Kiama 30 years of Jazz.

(My) Vicki was lying about being 29 cos that would make me amost 50 - and I am nowhere near that age.

love to both of you.

Bev